1987 560sel
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Joined: Aug 2016
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560 sel 1987
1987 560sel
Hello!
I have a 560sel that cranks but won't start. I sprayed starter fluid in the intake which the engine ignited when I cranked it but once it burned off the starter fluid the engine quit.
So then I figured since I wasn't getting fuel maybe the fuel relay was bad...so I jumpered 8 and 7 on the relay and could hear a loud continuous whining from the pump. I tried starting the car but nothing.
What's interesting is if I let the car sit for an hour or two and try to crank it the engine seems to ignite some fuel but then almost immediately die.
I do have a new relay coming but wouldn't the car have run when I jumpered the fuel pump relay?
The car sat for a long time maybe 3 years.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Jeff
I have a 560sel that cranks but won't start. I sprayed starter fluid in the intake which the engine ignited when I cranked it but once it burned off the starter fluid the engine quit.
So then I figured since I wasn't getting fuel maybe the fuel relay was bad...so I jumpered 8 and 7 on the relay and could hear a loud continuous whining from the pump. I tried starting the car but nothing.
What's interesting is if I let the car sit for an hour or two and try to crank it the engine seems to ignite some fuel but then almost immediately die.
I do have a new relay coming but wouldn't the car have run when I jumpered the fuel pump relay?
The car sat for a long time maybe 3 years.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 7
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From: California
1976 240D, 1985 500SEL
Thinking out loud: back to square one. Any engine needs 3 basic things to run: air, fuel, ignition. Air is almost always present, and you seem to be getting ignition.
If the car sat for 3 years, your fuel is probably bad. It won't prevent it from starting, but it's most certainly not helping your case. Put some stabilizer in the tank.
Additionally, that old fuel and whatever settled in the bottom of the tank could be gumming up your fuel filter. Any car that's been sitting for that length of time, a fuel filter will be a necessary change.
Start with stabilizer, fuel filter, and your new relay and see how it goes.
If the car sat for 3 years, your fuel is probably bad. It won't prevent it from starting, but it's most certainly not helping your case. Put some stabilizer in the tank.
Additionally, that old fuel and whatever settled in the bottom of the tank could be gumming up your fuel filter. Any car that's been sitting for that length of time, a fuel filter will be a necessary change.
Start with stabilizer, fuel filter, and your new relay and see how it goes.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Santo domingo
1986 300SE; 1996 SL500; 2002 S500
Change the fuel filter, confirm that both pumps ( yes your car has 2) are working, if you hear them winning I suggest you changed it, that's the first song of wear.
Confirm that the relay is good, as you are doing it.
Drain your tank, and put new fuel in it, ( the less additive the best, additive tend to damage the diaphragm of the fuel distributor) I use low octane in my car.
Also, before you start the car, drain the lines in the distributor, to prevent rust and dust going into it.
After cleaning your tank and lines, putting a new filter, and confirming both pumps are ok.
Try to start the car.
Also as your car sat for 2 years put 4 ounces of synthetic oil for 2 strokes engines. It won't smoke.
I used in every tank, your car will run smoother.
After that you only need new spark plugs and cables.
Good luck and enjoy the car
Confirm that the relay is good, as you are doing it.
Drain your tank, and put new fuel in it, ( the less additive the best, additive tend to damage the diaphragm of the fuel distributor) I use low octane in my car.
Also, before you start the car, drain the lines in the distributor, to prevent rust and dust going into it.
After cleaning your tank and lines, putting a new filter, and confirming both pumps are ok.
Try to start the car.
Also as your car sat for 2 years put 4 ounces of synthetic oil for 2 strokes engines. It won't smoke.
I used in every tank, your car will run smoother.
After that you only need new spark plugs and cables.
Good luck and enjoy the car
